Early evaluations of Chicago White Sox hitters at camp, including Munetaka Murakami and Colson Montgomery

New White Sox hitting coach Derek Shomon offers insights on the team's young prospects and veteran outfielders

Feb. 21, 2026 at 11:22pm

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Chicago White Sox hitting coach Derek Shomon provided early spring training evaluations of several players, including Japanese import Munetaka Murakami, top prospect Colson Montgomery, and other young hitters like Edgar Quero and Kyle Teel. Shomon praised Murakami's strong work ethic and intentional approach to getting acclimated, while also highlighting the progress of Montgomery and other prospects as they get their first extended looks at big-league pitching. Veteran outfielders Austin Hays and Andrew Benintendi were also cited for their mentorship of the young core.

Why it matters

The White Sox are looking to rebound after a disappointing 2025 season, and the development of their young hitters will be crucial to their success. Shomon's early evaluations provide insight into how these players are progressing and adjusting to the major-league level, which could have significant implications for the team's lineup and long-term outlook.

The details

Hitting coach Derek Shomon offered several early-spring evaluations of White Sox hitters, including praise for Japanese import Munetaka Murakami's strong work ethic and intentional approach to getting acclimated. Shomon also highlighted the progress of prospects like shortstop Colson Montgomery, second baseman Chase Meidroth, and catchers Edgar Quero and Kyle Teel as they get their first extended looks at big-league pitching. Veteran outfielders Austin Hays and Andrew Benintendi were cited for their mentorship of the young core.

  • Shomon provided the evaluations on Thursday at Camelback Ranch.
  • Quero had a strong performance in a Cactus League game on Saturday, going 2-for-4 with a double and 4 RBIs.
  • Outfielder Everson Pereira has been dealing with right side tightness over the last couple of days after a strong start to camp.

The players

Munetaka Murakami

A Japanese import who is preparing for his first major-league season with the White Sox after spending the last eight years with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.

Colson Montgomery

A top White Sox prospect who got his first opportunities to consistently see big-league pitching in 2025.

Derek Shomon

The new hitting coach for the Chicago White Sox.

Austin Hays

A veteran outfielder for the White Sox who has been providing mentorship to the team's young hitters.

Andrew Benintendi

A veteran outfielder for the White Sox who has been providing mentorship to the team's young hitters.

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What they’re saying

“Worker" was the first word that came to the mind of Chicago White Sox hitting coach Derek Shomon when describing Munetaka Murakami.”

— Derek Shomon, Chicago White Sox Hitting Coach (Chicago Tribune)

“Does not shy away from the work. Been very clear about wanting the information. Wants to utilize the resources that we have.”

— Derek Shomon, Chicago White Sox Hitting Coach (Chicago Tribune)

“I think more times than not it might be trying to pull him out of the cage and remind him to breathe, (rather) than having to push him in the cage to actually get work done. The guy works really hard. It's been fun to see.”

— Derek Shomon, Chicago White Sox Hitting Coach (Chicago Tribune)

“He came in with an ideal. This guy's smart. The attitude is there. He has an understanding of likely what is going to be exposed and he's doing a really good job attacking it on a daily basis and being really intentional with his work. That certainly makes it easier for us.”

— Derek Shomon, Chicago White Sox Hitting Coach (Chicago Tribune)

“I call them my AARP boys. The value that I think it adds for a young core group of players, and hoping the younger guys lean on (Benintendi) and (Hays) and vice versa, hoping that (Hays) and (Benintendi) are willing to push the needle where they need to with these young guys, just having been through it and having been successful.”

— Derek Shomon, Chicago White Sox Hitting Coach (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The White Sox will continue to monitor Everson Pereira's recovery from right side tightness as he looks to get back on the field. The team will also be closely watching the progress of its young hitters like Murakami, Montgomery, Quero, and Teel as they adapt to major-league pitching.

The takeaway

The White Sox are placing a strong emphasis on player development this spring, with new hitting coach Derek Shomon providing valuable insights into how the team's young core is progressing. The mentorship of veteran outfielders Hays and Benintendi could also prove crucial in helping these prospects make the transition to the big leagues.